Bangkok/Sydney | Thai protesters want to take their demands for change directly to King Maha Vajiralongkorn, a radical move in a nation where even mild criticism of the royal family can result in a lengthy jail term.

"We want to reform the monarchy so it is line with a modern, democratic nation, and we don't think the privy councillors should represent the king in this matter," says Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, also known as Rung, a 22-year-old student who has helped fellow demonstrators for the past six months.